William Robert ‘Billy Bob’ Watson

By editor

Created 12/09/2013 - 13:03

Former Big Spring resident William Robert “Billy Bob” Watson joined his wife in heaven Dec. 3, 2013.

Born to Charles Lee Watson and Jewel Bell Smith in Strawn, Texas, on Oct. 15, 1929, Billy Bob served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon military discharge, he sought guidance from his minister, which led to meeting the minister’s niece and Billy Bob’s future wife, Candace Dickinson. Billy Bob proposed on their first date during the Governor’s Ball at the Driskill Hotel and Candace said yes. They began their lives on the Dickinson ranches in New Mexico.

Soon after, came children and a move to Midland, Texas, where they owned and operated William Watson Gifts. Seeking better opportunity for their growing family, the Watsons moved to Houston, Texas, and while managing the Sakowitz store Billy Bob graduated from the University of Houston to become a teacher. He began his teaching career as a special education teacher and ultimately found his niche as a Texas history teacher in the Spring Branch ISD.

After retiring from teaching, Billy Bob stayed busy with several beach houses in Surfside, Texas, until Candace’s death. He enjoyed reading, gardening, his grandchildren, and his dog Juno. He never said no to dessert! In his final years, Billy Bob moved to Austin, Texas, to enjoy the lifestyle at Longhorn Village.
He is survived by his children, Charles G. Watson and fiancée Lori S. Brix, Suzanne Watson and husband Michael Danks, all of Austin; Elaine Watson Jones and husband Kenneth Jones of Houston; and Marybell Davison of Plano. Billy Bob especially loved his grandchildren Jordan Jones, Amanda Davison, Kendall Jones, Austin Davison and Connor Jones. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a group of California girls who called him Daddy, too! He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.
Special thanks to everyone at Longhorn Village, Hospice of the Hills, and Divine Canine.

Family graveside services will be in Strawn, Texas, Dec. 13. The family will host a celebration of Billy Bob’s life on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. in the Lantana wing of Longhorn Village.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Hospice of the Hills, Austin, Texas; Divine Canine, Austin, Texas; or your local animal rescue shelter.